Teenage tourist rescued from St. Pete Beach current

ST. PETE BEACH — A Georgia teenager on vacation nearly drowned Sunday while swimming near St. Pete Beach, authorities said.

After responding to a 911 call around 2:30 p.m., Pinellas County deputies found Asia Pinkney, 13, conscious and breathing near the Alden Resort at 5900 Gulf Blvd. Her 15-year-old sister, Nataijah, and two unidentified people pulled her out of the water after she briefly submerged, the Sheriff's Office said. The siblings from Marietta, Ga., deputies said, became exhausted by the current. Their mother, Latresh Pinkney, had been on the sand near where the girls were swimming.

Asia was transported to St. Petersburg's All Children's Hospital as a precaution.

Strong western winds will heighten the rip current risk until Tuesday, said Brian McClure, Bay News 9 meteorologist. The onshore gusts can create turbulent conditions for swimmers.